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Article IX

Section One:  Definition

An Elder is one who has been given a spiritual charge to oversee and shepherd the flock of God (Acts 20:17-31; I Peter 5:1-4).  Elders are viewed as the spiritual leaders of the congregation of believers and are often spoken of as a plurality rather than a single Elder (Acts 14:23; Acts 15:6; Acts 20:17; I Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14; I Timothy 5:17; 1 Peter 5:1).  Elders shall exemplify very high moral standards and shall meet the qualifications established in I Timothy 3:1-7.  An Elder shall not be a Deacon.